How to Join the Buffalo Service Credit Union
The Buffalo Service Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that has been serving members of the military, government, and their families since 1946. They offer a full range of banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about how to join the Buffalo Service Credit Union.
Eligibility Requirements & Membership Fees
In order to join the Buffalo Service Credit Union, you must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
• You are an active duty member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.
• You are a reservist or National Guardsman who is on active duty orders for more than 30 days.
• You are a retiree from any of the branches listed above.
• You are a spouse or dependent child of any of the above individuals.
After meeting one of the eligibility requirements, you will need to open a primary share account with a minimum deposit of $5. This account functions as your membership share and gives you ownership in the credit union. There is no annual membership fee associated with this account.
Credit Union Products & Services
The Buffalo Service Credit Union offers its members a wide variety of banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and more.
Members can choose from three different types of checking accounts: Free Checking, Interest Checking, and Rewards Checking. All three accounts come with features like online and mobile banking, bill pay, e-statements, and direct deposit. Free Checking is a basic account with no monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements; Interest Checking earns interest on your deposited funds; Rewards Checking comes with additional perks like cash back on debit card purchases.
The credit union also offers three different types of savings accounts: Regular Savings, SaveFirst Savings (for members ages 13-17), and Christmas Club Savings (which helps members save up for holiday expenses). All three accounts offer features like online and mobile banking, direct deposit, and automatic transfers. Regular Saving is a basic account with no minimum balance requirements; SaveFirst Savings helps young members develop good saving habits; Christmas Club Savings offers members interest on their deposited funds as well as an annual dividend payout in November (just in time for holiday shopping!).
In addition to checking and savings accounts, the Buffalo Service Credit Union offers its members loans for cars, homes/mortgages, RVs/campers/boats, ATVs/snowmobiles/motorcycles—you name it! They also offer lines of credit and personal loans to help members cover unexpected expenses or consolidate debt. And for members who are looking to build or rebuild their credit score—the credit union offers two different types of secured credit cards: Visa Platinum Secured Card and Visa Classic Secured Card. Both cards require a security deposit equal to your desired credit limit (minimum $300), which is held as collateral in case you default on your payments; after 12 months of responsible use—make your payments on time each month and keep your balances low—you may be eligible for an unsecured credit card with no security deposit required!
The Buffalo Service Credit Union is a great option for anyone who meets the eligibility requirements—especially those who are looking for better rates on loans or lines of credit. With its wide range of products and services—including checking and savings accounts, loans (secured and unsecured), credit cards (secured and unsecured), and more—the credit union has something to offer everyone! Head over to their website today to learn more about how to join!